Election Diary - May 29, 2018

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Turkey's 13th President will be determined with the snap election to be held on June 24, 2018. If absolute majority is not constituted, then the second tour will be held on July 8, 2018.

The election developments that took place on May 29, Tuesday are:

Demirtaş's request for release at Constitutional Court

After the imprisoned Presidential candidate of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Selahattin Demirtaş's request for release was rejected by Ankara 19th and 20th Heavy Penal Courts, the case has been taken to the Constitutional Court.

"50 thousand voters in Van will be affected after ballot boxes are moved"

The provincial Co-Chair of the HDP in Turkey's eastern province of Van, Yadişen Karabulak has stated that Van is one of the provinces which will be affected the most by the Supreme Election Council's decision to move the ballot boxes. Karabulak has also added that after 224 ballot boxes in Van are moved, 50 thousand voters will be affected.

"Erdoğan has spent 747 million TRY from discretionary fund in 4 months"

Presidential candidate of the main opposition party Republican People's Party (CHP) Muharrem İnce previously asked whether the President and Justice and Development Party (AKP) Chair Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spent 747 million TRY from the discretionary fund.

Doğruluk Payı (Grain of Truth), a monitoring agency which observes and checks the accuracy of the statements made by politicians in Turkey, has confirmed the allegation made by İnce. However, for what purposes the fund has been spent is confidential.

Suit for damages by Erdoğan against İnce

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has filed a criminal complaint against CHP's Presidential candidate Muharrem İnce on charge of "insulting the President" due to his 'Pennsylvania' allegations. Erdoğan has also filed a claim for immaterial compensation of 100 thousand Turkish Lira against İnce.

Muharrem İnce previously alleged that before establishing the AKP in 2001, Erdoğan went to Pennsylvania to ask for the permission of Fethullah Gülen, the head of Gülen Community which is accused of carrying out the coup attempt on July 15, 2016. İnce also claimed that he knew who accompanied Erdoğan on his journey to the US, adding that he will announce the name of this person after he is elected president. (HK/SD)